free enterprise

noun

: freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance

Examples of free enterprise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The poll didn't define free market system or free enterprise. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

The free enterprise that Roosevelt meant to preserve wasn’t some idealized version of laissez-faire capitalism. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Real environmental stewardship comes from personal responsibility and free enterprise, not bigger government. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

That’s free enterprise — but Broward would pony up $17 million for the land and closing costs. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free enterprise

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

free enterprise

noun

: freedom of private business to operate with little regulation by the government